Gavaskar defends CoE, questions training for India’s injuries

Sunil Gavaskar has defended the physios at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, arguing that recurring injuries among Indian players stem from flawed training methods rather than the facility's staff. Writing in his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar pointed to the prevalence of hamstring injuries and questioned restrictions during net sessions, where bowlers are limited to 20 deliveries under the guise of biomechanics and workload management.

Gavaskar also challenged the emphasis on gym-based fitness, urging players to prioritise match fitness. 'It’s more important to be match fit than gym fit,' he wrote, calling for a deeper review of how injuries keep happening. The veteran’s comments follow a wave of injuries that sidelined Jasprit Bumrah, Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar and others, prompting scrutiny of head coach Gautam Gambhir and selectors.

VVS Laxman, head of the CoE, had earlier dismissed claims of a communication gap with the board. Gavaskar now echoes that view, shifting the focus from the CoE's medical team to broader training practices. India captain Shubman Gill had also expressed frustration over constant changes to the playing XI because of injuries.